Given the pace at which the One Piece franchise is expanding, there have only been a handful of other series that could match it. It is one of the longest-running anime, which has a manga, live-action adaptation, spin-off, and a remake. Fans literally have so many options that they could hardly run out of content to consume. A while ago, Wit Studio confirmed that they are working on the remake, The One Piece.
This project had been approved because new generation fans have minor criticisms regarding the original anime in terms of pacing and animation quality. The One Piece anime was released in 1999 and has been airing consistently to this date. Naturally, when it began serializing the show produced the best animation according to the resources and time that were available during that period.
In recent times, we have advanced in terms of technology and animation quality. Even the screen aspect ratio has evolved. Additionally, when the original anime was airing, it had to keep up with the manga; therefore, the pacing was sometimes stretched, which resulted in adding filler scenes, which could lose viewership in today’s time. That is when Wit Studio decided to rework this popular franchise, and it recently also revealed major details.
They have dropped a proper behind-the-scenes character design sneak peek. While it is not a teaser trailer that many fans are eager to watch, this video has offered something just as exciting, giving fans an idea of how ambitious this project is in the first place. The remake of One Piece is actually a collaboration with Netflix, Toei Animation, and Shueisha while being produced by Wit Studio.
Moreover, the story is going to begin from the initial East Blue Saga, where Monkey D. Luffy is introduced and his journey to become the King of the Pirates starts. It is one of the most beloved entry points in the history of anime. Once again, it is important to note that the remake is being made keeping in mind the modern audience and aims to tackle all the common draw backs which is stopping viwers to exprience this iconic series, which is created by Eiichiro Oda.
First look at The One Piece: Art direction and character designs
While the newly released sneak peek does not include actual animation footage, it does show fans the character design sheets and image boards. We finally get to look at early concepts for some popular characters like Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, and even Shanks. Additionally, fans’ attention was immediate caugth with the visual direction.
In the original anime, the visuals were bright and high in contrast. Meanwhile, Wit Studio has taken a different route by opting for a softer pastel tone and combining it with pencil-like shading. This is definantely a bold artistic choice that gives the world of One Piece a more storybook-like feeling.
So those who have already watched the original show might get a new viewing experience with this remake. There is also a message at the end of the sneak peek video, “Get ready to set sail.” This message has riled up fans as they are not speculating that Wit Studio just might release a proper teaser soon.
Final thoughts
Fans have been a little on edge despite getting this brief sneak peek because the waiting period between the updates has been long. Although if Wit Studio actually manages to deliver what they have promised, then the wait and the minor criticism that have been going around will all vanish, and the franchise will once again entertain a whole new generation of anime fans.
Edited by Nisarga Kakade